Just days after sacking Roberto Mancini, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) appointed Herve Renard to the hot seat. This is not surprising because Renard has very good memories with Saudi Arabian football.
He helped the team qualify for the 2022 World Cup quite easily, defeating Argentina in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup. He then left the team to lead the French women's team.
"I had no intention of leaving the Saudi national team but when there is an offer from your homeland, you have to respond. My connection with the Saudi people, the fans, the players and all the memories - I can never forget," Renard said in a video released by SAFF.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers have not gone well for the “Blue Falcons” (Saudi Arabia’s nickname). They have only won 5 points out of 4 matches in Group C, including 3 matches played at home. With only the top 2 teams in Group C guaranteed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is under great pressure in the remaining stages.
A goalless draw at home to Bahrain on 15 October was the final straw, with SAFF chiefs keen to make changes before the team’s long trip to Melbourne to face Australia in November.
Compared to the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia are in stark contrast at the moment. The West Asian team is lacking confidence, scoring only 3 goals in 5 matches - 2 goals from center back Hassan Kadesh against China, and midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr scored the remaining goal.
But it's not just about the results on the pitch, the atmosphere around the national team has been souring recently. Of course, that stems from the results, but the sight of Mancini gesturing and seemingly shouting at the fans at the end of the game against Bahrain was also cause for concern.
The Italian tactician was also furious with Salem Al-Dawsari for missing his second penalty in four qualifying matches.
Mancini may have won some major honours as a manager, but his constant complaints about his players not getting regular playing time in the domestic league have not won him much sympathy.
Renard, on the other hand, is not as sharp as Mancini, but enjoys his job. According to Arab News writer John Duerden, this will help improve the atmosphere at the Saudi Arabian team.
Renard suffered five defeats in his last six games in charge of Saudi Arabia in his previous tenure. But that is no longer the case; the focus is now on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Renard has a contract until 2025 with an option to extend until 2027 - the time of the Asian Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Renard’s task with Saudi Arabia will be a heavy one. However, with support from all sides, this strategist still has many opportunities to succeed, helping the team get a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
According to the schedule, Saudi Arabia will have two away matches in November, against Australia and Indonesia respectively.
